§ 2.35 p.m.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, I have to acquaint the House that His Majesty has appointed 2 Lieutenant-General Sir Brian Glynne Horrocks, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., M.C., to be Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in succession to Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake, K.C.B., D.S.O., and that he is at the door ready to receive your Lordships' commands.
Whereupon the House directed he should be called in. Accordingly he was called in and officiated in his place.
§ VISCOUNT ADDISONMy Lords, I am sure you will not wish this occasion to pass without some reference being made to Sir Geoffrey Blake, who was appointed Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in 1945 and who unfortunately has had to resign owing to continuing deafness from gunblast, incurred during his service in the Navy, which has made it increasingly difficult for him to perform the duties of his office. Your Lordships will agree, I am sure, that Sir Geoffrey has worthily maintained the dignity of the ceremonial duties of his ancient office in this House, which date from the reign of King Henry During the comparatively short period of his tenure of office it has fallen to Sir Geoffrey to take part in more than one historic occasion, and I am sure that every member of the House who has participated in those ceremonial occasions under the guidance of Sir Geoffrey will have been impressed by the dignity and seriousness which he has imparted to the proceedings. I know—for he has told me himself—that he quits his office with the happiest of memories and with extreme reluctance and regret. I am sure I am expressing the desire of your Lordships when, in the name of the 3 House generally, I express our sincere thanks to him for his services and for the unfailing courtesy which he has shown in their discharge, and extend to him our good wishes that he may enjoy many years of happiness in his all too early retirement.
§ 2.38 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, all of us who sit on this side of the House would wish to be most fully and sincerely associated with the happy but deserved tribute which the Leader of the House has paid to Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake. Twice in Sir Geoffrey's career has the accident he sustained in the First World War handicapped and frustrated his service. Sailors of the highest competence have told me that, but for that accident, nothing could have stopped Sir Geoffrey Blake from attaining the highest command in his Service. We had all hoped that when he was appointed to this honourable post he would for long have found a safe anchorage here. He has in a very short time become part of this place, I think because he loves it. He has been the friend of us all, and the soul of courtesy and kindness to our ladies. Once again the accident sustained during his war service has cut short his career, and he is forced to lay down his post. We shall all miss him, but I hope that he will often come back to his old haunts. Your Lordships generally sit when the sun is over the yardarm, and if, as I hope, Sir Geoffrey often returns, I am sure that all of us will vie with one another to give him hospitality.
§ 2.40 p.m.
THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, noble Lords who sit on these Benches wish to associate themselves very cordially with the tributes which have been paid to Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake. I am particularly happy personally to say a word on this occasion, because I have always had a deep respect for the office of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. It happens to have been held during the last century by a great uncle of mine who was also an Admiral, though he had not, of course, the same war record as Sir Geoffrey Blake. I did not know then quite what he did, but I believed he performed some mysterious and rather awesome duties in Westminster. Now that I have more experience I know what 4 the post of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod requires: it requires dignity, tact, courtesy and kindness. All these qualities are certainly possessed by Sir Geoffrey Blake; and we wish him Godspeed and the enjoyment of many years of happiness.